sebaceous

adjective

se·​ba·​ceous si-ˈbā-shəs 

1

: secreting or releasing sebum

a sebaceous duct

see also sebaceous gland

2

: of, relating to, or being sebum

a sebaceous exudate

3

: relating to, affecting, or originating in a sebaceous gland

sebaceous carcinoma

Examples of sebaceous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On its website, Johns Hopkins Medicine said sebaceous cysts were slow-growing bumps that could appear on the scalp, face, ears, trunk, back or groin. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024

Evans points to sebaceous dermatitis as a specific example, which is caused by a yeast that grows on the scalp. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024

Sebum is an oily substance produced by your sebaceous glands, mostly on your face and scalp. —Wendy Wisner, Health, 1 Sep. 2024

Oily skin occurs when the sebaceous glands churn out more sebum—the waxy substance that serves as your skin’s innate moisturizer—than your skin needs. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin sebaceus made of tallow, from sebum tallow

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sebaceous

• sebaceous gland

Medical Definition

sebaceous

adjective

se·​ba·​ceous si-ˈbā-shəs 

1

: secreting or releasing sebum see also sebaceous gland

2

: of, relating to, or being sebum

a sebaceous exudate

3

: relating to, affecting, or originating in a sebaceous gland

sebaceous carcinoma